I have taken a long time to write to you because there is nothing very interesting to tell you, I cannot even begin to describe to you how dull it is here, how extraordinarily banal[.] when I think of the past it seems to belong to another former life, it seems so long ago what does that mean it makes no sense to me whatsoever and I cannot explain it[.] the only places I still frequent are the Louvre still but I hardly see anybody there these days, the masters of the past have few admirers[.] once or twice a week I go to the Batignolles Café where I see Manet, Degas, Duranty. etc. it is not very interesting, Manet hasn't changed, still very kind to me, for the salon [he] is doing two young ladies and a young man on a Balcony[,] then a few people at a table after a meal. Degas some small paintings of the Races that are said to be very good, I hardly ever go to Stevens's place any more, nor to Meurice's but practically everywhere nobody says or does anything of any interest[.] Soon I am going to make a start on some [p. 2] things for the Salon but without putting my heart into it[.] I really cannot be bothered[;] old habits die hard. I am thinking of doing some things that will not require too much exertion if I can find a female model to pose with her back to me, some objects and draperies alongside - a still life portrait [,] and are you not sending anything[?] you do not talk of what you are doing nor of what you will do, it is always worthwhile throwing a couple of things together for the Salon for then one is forced to work but essentially that is for when there is nothing better one can do. I would have some commissioned works that I will not show, it is the worst place to exhibit[;] paintings are spoiled there and are swallowed up by appearing in these market halls, filled with extravagances and ineptitudes. Ah! Who will restore this lovely Art to its former splendour[,] its dignity

I am so happy with my still lifes in my very lonely Studio. Since I have been at my own place I can see all my past work, all my Salon paintings are unrolled and hung on my wall[.] I can see that for a few years I have worried too much that I have sought too much beyond my capabilities - my three refused paintings of 1859 [p. 3] and the three from 1861 are the best that I have done since the errors of the large paintings - The Delacroix and the one of the Truth[.] I improved a little with my sister reading and the portrait of Manet again but as and when it is possible and not spending time each day doing proper studies at the expense of the salon paintings. The portraits that I did last year taught me how to reach the standard and the finish fundamental to a true painter. I return to your last letter which gave me great pleasure and which led me to believe that you are still a true friend to me. - .

Firstly Doctor Hart has paid me and that was most welcome I thank you very much once again, for bringing me great pleasure with your compliments for my still-lifes[;] you are the only person whose criticism matters to me. I respect your admiration for the Japanese[.] from time to time I buy Japanese things and I always find them superior, I think you are quite right to reproach me for the great harshness of the tones in the vases holding the flowers. And your observations were absolutely spot on, I am well aware that this is a vile remnant of poor education in a nasty modern milieu[.] each day I endeavour to correct myself. I still lack the courage to renounce everything that makes [p. 4] me timid [.] I feel so different from everything I see that I am almost afraid of what I do. Therein lies yet another difficulty alongside all the difficulties of Artistic life [.] We have embarked on a path so barely cleared, there are times when you wonder if you can keep on going. One stops on a pile of rocks on the way tiredly awaiting the new day for the will to carry on [.] then in my case I lose heart entirely[.] I am in total despair and only continue by force of habit (a sad habit I can no longer bear) you speak to me of Legros let us leave him to his Successes, we still remain on our original route[,] he has gone off in an easier direction good luck and each to his own [.] I will write to Edwards who has definitely forgotten me! I never received the photographs that you sent me -

I think that Hardy has your Etchings[.] He told me that he will not return them to you unless you give him a sign of life, I never see Ernest nor Emile Aubert they are nowhere to be found[.] Write back[;] you know how happy it always make me[.] I would like to know what you are doing and what you have been doing for some time now [,] something in the order of a detailed catalogue